Writing Tip #2

Edit your writing.

I know, not much of a tip.  I’m not just trying to be an Obvious Ollie; I’m just trying to help.  Even the best writers make mistakes – whether it’s typing the word “starting” instead of “staring” or using the character’s sister’s name instead of her husband’s (which is awkward during a sex scene so please edit).  Editing is tedious work, let me tell you.  I know you’ve heard that before.  Everyone gives this same tip, right? But I thought I was impervious to the editing blues.  It took three novels for me to realize how much I hated it.  Then there are the times where you take five days editing something, order a proof and see mistakes.  It happens.  Trust me.  Some stuff can only be caught my reading it over and over again or, if possible, having someone else read it.  Fresh eyes are great.  However, there is a fool proof way to make sure that you get every little comma splice, misplaced adverb, and incorrectly used semi-colon (<<CorrectEnglish because it’s cheap, it’s online and you can use it anywhere, and they offer a ten day free trial.  If you don’t like that one, there are others such as White Smoke which are just as good.  Always remember though that it’s a computer program and nowhere near as smart as you.  It will tell you things are wrong when they are not, and it will advise you to make changes that shouldn’t be made.  Read over everything and use your best judgement.  If you’re not sure, research grammatical rules online so you’re familiar with them in advance.

Here’s the bottom line: Grammar software is indispensable for those of us who can’t afford to pay $2 bucks a page for editors but want to produce a professional Indie book.  Use it, love it, be smarter than it.